Deputy Chief Counsel

Position Summary:

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is accepting applications to fill the position for the Deputy Chief Counsel / Assistant Attorney General (AAG). The KBI is the premier criminal investigative agency in the state of Kansas and is committed to its critical mission of preventing crime and enhancing public safety in Kansas. The KBI employs individuals who exemplify the highest standards of integrity, service, and dedication. 

The successful candidate for the Deputy Chief Counsel / AAG position must have exceptional ethical standards, be self-motivated, and well-organized, while paying close attention to details in a timely and efficient manner. 

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Providing legal advice, representation and services to the KBI Director; Investigations Branch; Administration Branch; Criminal Justice Services Branch; and various other KBI units and employees on legal matters that arise in the course of their operations or activities, often urgently or without time for in-depth research or reflection;
• Collaborating with others to ensure reasonable and necessary consistency and uniformity in the interpretation and application of legal principles and services;
• Researching, analyzing and providing guidance and representation on complex matters involving significant potential liability to the agency;
• Reviewing, evaluating and providing timely responses to requests for records in accordance with the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA);
• Providing input and assistance on contract reviews; negotiating and drafting contractual agreements; averting contract disputes that may result in litigation; 
• Overseeing and coordinating applicable responses to motions or court orders for discovery in civil and criminal matters;
• Filing objections in response to subpoenas commanding production of records, as well as ensuring protection of any records produced, to include making significant redactions and drafting protective orders; 
• Filing motions to quash in response to subpoenas commanding testimony; 
• Managing requests for litigation holds and evidence preservation matters;
• Preparing materials and presentations, and delivering training on topics pertinent to employees and external criminal justice partners, such as current trends and challenges or updates about constitutional and criminal law;
• Participating in moot courts for employees whose positions require testifying in state or federal courts;
• Drafting administrative rules and regulations and promulgating the same;
• Researching, interpreting, summarizing and advising on policies, statutes, case law, and other legal authority;
• Representing the agency in federal and state court actions, and administrative hearings by preparing pleadings, briefs, orders, or other documents;
• Filling in for the Chief Counsel and other attorney(s) when needed; and
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Chief Counsel.

The above information is intended only to provide a general description of nature and level of work performed in this position; additional duties will be required.

Qualifications:

Education

• Juris Doctorate attained from an accredited law school; license to practice law in the State of Kansas, and current registration, in good standing

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to carefully and thoroughly research and reach sound conclusions on complex legal issues
• Ability to clearly, accurately, and persuasively communicate complex information, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently, to meet deadlines, and to manage multiple demanding projects and deadlines 
• Five-plus years of practicing law with in-depth knowledge of criminal law and procedure 

Preferred Qualifications

• Five-plus years of practicing criminal litigation as a prosecutor, defense counsel or similar practice
• Experience, knowledge and familiarity with:
  • State and federal laws
  • State and federal judicial and administrative procedures
  • Methods of legal research
  • Civil procedure (litigation, subpoenas, discovery)
  • Criminal procedure (subpoenas, discovery)
  • Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.
  • Public records management and retention
  • Kansas Offender Registration Act, K.S.A. 22-4905 et seq.
  • Criminal Justice Information
  • Forensic Science Laboratory Services
  • Reviewing, negotiating, and drafting contractual documents
  • Brady/Giglio material
  • Garrity issues
  • Employment law
  • Legislative process

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements 

• As a condition of employment, you will be subject to a pre-employment process to include a polygraph examination, fingerprint based records check, and comprehensive background investigation, including reference check of past and present employers. The pre-employment process will be waived for current KBI personnel who have previously completed the screening requirements